Religious Education 2007-2008
Calendar -
Curriculum -
Committee -
Registration Form 
Welcome!
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the 2007-2008 church school year. We are pleased that you and your children are taking part in our program. This booklet is both your guide to religious education and offers a brief description of the programs available this year.
The goals of our program are to provide a place where children can: feel welcome and have a sense of belonging, explore religious ideas in an open-minded community, ask questions, define and redefine their beliefs, and share their sense of wonder. We hope to create an environment that respects and celebrates diversity and offers children opportunities to translate their ideals into actions. We want our children to own their beliefs.
The seven Principles and Purposes of Unitarian Universalism provide the backbone for our program.
You Are Needed!
We have a cooperative volunteer program that needs the involvement of each parent. We encourage you to find a way to share your time and talents with us and your children, show an interest in their programs and engage them in conversations about what they are learning. Please help your child attend classes regularly. You will find the benefits are multiplied.
I am looking forward to working with each of you and your children in the coming year!
Chris Parker
Director of Religious Education
When We Meet
Sunday Church School Schedule
| 9:55 AM | Church School Classes Begin |
| 11:00 AM | Baby/Toddler Pick-Up (immediately following the service) Chapel Service Begins |
| 11:15 AM | All Classes and Chapel Dismissed |
During periodic Intergenerational services, older children are invited to attend the church service with their parents. Babies and toddlers meet as usual in Room 1, but there are no classes for the older children. During Sunday services when there is no church school, supervised activities are provided for those children who do not wish to attend the service.
Chapel Program
A worship program is held in the Chapel of the Education building. Each class attends a chapel service once or twice a month. These services are a special time for the children to meet together and share a religious experience. The services include songs, poems, and stories.
Service Learning
As Unitarian Universalists we believe that social action and advocacy are an important part of our religious life. As religious educators we believe in providing children with the opportunity to take part in projects that will help others. We think it's so important that we formed a new committee! The RE Service Learning Committee will be organizing the Second Saturday Service Scene for all generations to come together with a common goal. As the name suggests, these projects will occur on the second Saturday of each month. At each gathering, we will first discuss a need that has been identified in our community, participate in a project that address that need and, of course, celebrate our accomplishments! Projects may range from lawn care in the spring or fall to caroling in the winter.
Special Events and Services
See the RE Calendar
Water Service (9 September) - An intergenerational gathering that occurs the first Sunday of the church year where we bring samples of the waters from our summer journeys. A dedication is also offered at this time for our Religious Education (RE) teachers before we begin church school the following Sunday.
Guest Presenter (4 November) - TJ Wheeler, guitarist, singer, educator, and musical activist will meet with the students in two large groups during regular church school hours.
Winter Party / White Gifts Collection (16 December) - Students begin the morning by joining the church service for a brief period during which time the White Gifts are offered (members and friends donate gifts for the less fortunate). Afterwards, kindergarteners and older students gather to celebrate winter with crafts and snacks in the auditorium while preschoolers will meet in their own room.
Spring Party (23 March) - As with the Winter Party, the RE classes (K+) celebrate the coming of spring with crafts and refreshments after the first 15 minutes of service. Plus, we will continue the tradition of performing a service project during the get-together. Anyone with a project suggestion is welcome to contact a member of the RE Committee.
Senior High Service (27 April) - A service designed and led by the Senior High students.
ROPE Affirmation Service (18 May) - This service is the culmination of a year of hard work by our eighth and ninth graders. Please join us as the students present their personal belief statements to the congregation, it is wonderful opportunity to celebrate our youth and witness the benefits of our RE Curriculum.
Intergen Flower Service (10 June) - The last service of the year recognizes the many volunteers who give of their time and talents to our Religious Education program. A Flower Communion is held in which members of the congregation bring flowers. Everyone leaves with a different flower!
Programs
Babies/Toddlers, Room 1 (birthdays after 9-30-04)
Childcare is provided for infants and children who are still under the age of three come the end of September. We try to make this experience for our youngest children as pleasant as possible - a warm, welcoming, and secure place away from home. Our experienced caregivers, assisted by church members, take care of the youngest members of our church family.
Preschool Program (birthdays 10-1-02 to 9-30-04)
Celebrating Me and My World, Room 2
This full-year curriculum celebrates the wondrous qualities of children and the animals, objects, and people around them. Provides preschoolers with experiences and opportunities to grow in trust and caring and to develop their self-identity and sense of connectedness with all of life.
Activities are tailored for this age group, so please dress the children for active play and sometimes-messy crafts. Also, prepare your refrigerator for new artwork!
Kindergarten
Treasure Hunting, Room 4
Children explore what it means to be part of the Unitarian Universalist faith. They celebrate the uniqueness of each individual while gaining greater awareness of their community and the world around them. Age appropriate crafts and games are used to explore these ideas.
First & Second Grade
Rainbow Children (Fall), Room 5
Around the Church, Around the Year (Spring)
With the "Rainbow Children" curriculum, the children have opportunities to learn about themselves and others through games, stories, and activities. In "Around the Church, Around the Year," the class will become acquainted with their own Unitarian Universalist community: the people, the buildings, rituals and celebrations, and basic tenets of Unitarian Universalism.
Third & Fourth Grade
Timeless Themes, Room 9-10
The best-known stories in religious literature are presented to the children in this curriculum, providing a base of knowledge essential to the understanding of their religious heritage. Timeless themes that inspired the scriptures, such as power, responsibility, freedom, love and forgiveness, are explored.
Fifth Grade
Traditions - With a Wink, Room 11
"Traditions" teaches an understanding of the Unitarian Universalist faith. It looks at various aspects including the place of science and reason, the different ways we create communities, and the tradition of good works.
Sixth Grade
Neighboring Faiths, Room 7
Now that students have explored Unitarian Universalism in earlier grades, their knowledge is broadened to include the belief systems of other religions. Field trips are arranged to places of worship, locally and in the Boston area, to gain an understanding of different religious practices. Parent volunteers will be invited to join these classes to help transport students and share these enriching experiences.
Seventh Grade
Race to Justice, Room 6
"Race to Justice" explores racial justice and diversity through the use of role-playing, games, and filmmaking. It directly addresses the UU Principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; and the goal of a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Eighth & Ninth Grades
Rites of Passage Experience (ROPES), Youth Room
Through this experience, our youth will learn to express their own beliefs within the context of Unitarian Universalism, and to mark the beginning of their own spiritual path through life. Each student will work with a mentor/church member of their choosing in order to refine their beliefs. Don't miss the ROPE Affirmation Service where the students will present their statements to the congregation!
Senior High
Youth Group meets Sunday evenings from 6 - 8pm in the Youth Room.
R.E. for Sr. High transitions into "Youth Empowerment." Our youth group provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, strengthens a sense of community, offers peer support and a chance to travel and meet other UU Youth. We play games, hear guest speakers and participate in workshops and topic-led discussions. We are involved in outreach and fundraising and work on life skills.
Youth are encouraged to participate in leading the group and/or being a part of the decisions regarding what direction the group will go in.
Youth group provides a safe and comfortable environment to explore and nurture the questions and beliefs of those who participate.
Religious Education Committee
Director: Chris Parker
Minister: Steve Edington
Cindy Hudson (Chair)
Barb Koumjian
Donna LaRue
Maddy Mandelbaum
Mickeline Saunders
Barbara Berrios (Adult RE)
Nona Storer (Volunteer Coordinator)
RE Service Learning Committee
Kim Steele
Lori Lerude